The 8 Benefits That Strawberries Bring To Your Health
Strawberries stand out for their diuretic, anti-inflammatory and purifying properties. In addition, thanks to its flavonoids, they help us fight oxidative stress and cognitive deterioration.
Strawberries are small bright red fruits that, due to their sweet taste, have been used for centuries as a base ingredient in hundreds of recipes. Its plant, known in scientific terms as f ragaria ananassa, belongs to the Rosaceae family and, although it was introduced to Europe since the 18th century, it is native to America.
From a nutritional point of view, they stand out for their high concentration of antioxidants that, added to their vitamins and minerals, provide interesting benefits to the body. In fact, since they are very low in calories, they are recommended for healthy weight loss, since they control the feeling of hunger and support metabolic functions.
In addition, its active compounds help regulate blood sugar levels and inhibit damage caused by free radicals. In the following space we want to highlight its 8 main benefits so that you consider increasing your consumption. Discover them!
1. They prevent cardiovascular diseases
Strawberries contain a type of antioxidant that reduces the level of inflammation in the tissues and, incidentally, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
It helps to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, since it increases the elasticity of the arteries and prevents blockages. This is evidenced by a study published in The British Journal of Nutrition .
Even consuming it two or three times a week can lower the chances of heart attacks and strokes.
2. They are hydrating
Due to its high composition of water, around 92%, strawberries are one of the foods with the greatest hydrating power for the body. They are recommended for hot days, not only because they cool the body, but because they help counteract the loss of fluids.
In addition, it is one of the best options for athletes, since they contain essential minerals that promote the balance of electrolytes in the body.
3. Help improve mood
Strawberries contain substances like vitamin B1, which help fight irritability and sadness.
This substance is assimilated by the nervous system and, after stimulating it, increases the production of well-being hormones.
4. Improve skin health
Due to their nutritional composition and high water content, these fruits are one of the best allies to maintain beautiful and healthy skin.
Its regular intake has been shown to promote the elimination of toxins that accelerate the aging process and, at the same time, reduce imbalances in skin pH. They are important to prevent damage caused by the sun’s rays.
It can also be used externally, in masks or creams, to exfoliate, whiten and give it a smooth appearance.
5. Fight constipation
Strawberries contain significant amounts of dietary fiber which, combined with water, helps improve bowel movement to facilitate the passage of stool. These compounds lubricate waste and facilitate its passage through the digestive tract.
In turn, they help control abdominal inflammation and other symptoms derived from a slow digestive process.
Strawberries and other varieties of red fruits are useful to reduce the level of inflammation thanks to their contribution of vitamin C, essential minerals and antioxidants. These nutrients give it anti-inflammatory, cleansing and diuretic properties that, in the body, promote the elimination of waste for optimal cell work.
This is beneficial in alleviating muscle and joint ailments and is even a good complement to the treatment of arthritis. Keep in mind that there is evidence that vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis, so strawberries are also positive for ensuring good muscle health.
7. Protect visual health
This food contains high levels of pigments such as lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenes that help protect visual health. These antioxidants, added to vitamin C, create a filter against the sun’s UVA rays and toxins. Thus, the chances of developing cataracts or macular degeneration decrease.
Vitamin C is a nutrient that maintains the health of the cornea and retina and reduces wear and tear caused by age.
8. They keep the brain young
The flavonoids contained in these small fruits are excellent allies to optimize brain functions, since they inhibit oxidative stress.
These substances are related to the reduction of the risk of cognitive deterioration in older adults and, in fact, could be key in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.
Eat strawberries regularly
Without a doubt, strawberries are a very healthy food that can help us maintain the well-being of the body. The ideal is to eat them raw, fresh and ripe, to enjoy all their properties 100%.
